Russia Claims Successful Test of "Invincible" Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile

Strategic Insights -

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the country has successfully tested its "invincible" nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, which has a range of 14,000 km (8,700 miles). The missile, also known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, is said to be able to evade any defense system and has an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.

The testing of the Burevestnik missile has raised concerns among Western officials, who have warned of Russia's recklessness in developing and testing nuclear-powered cruise missiles. Russian officials, however, claim that the missile is a game-changer in terms of nuclear deterrence and that it has the potential to greatly increase Russia's nuclear capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Russia has successfully tested its "invincible" nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, which has a range of 14,000 km (8,700 miles).
  • The missile is said to be able to evade any defense system and has an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.
  • Western officials have warned of Russia's recklessness in developing and testing nuclear-powered cruise missiles, with some calling it a "flying Chernobyl."
  • Russian officials claim that the Burevestnik is a game-changer in terms of nuclear deterrence and that it has the potential to greatly increase Russia's nuclear capabilities.
  • President Putin has emphasized the importance of the Burevestnik in modernizing Russia's nuclear deterrent forces.
  • Russia's strategic nuclear forces have undergone a test rehearsal to rehearse their readiness and command structure.

Statistics:

  • The Burevestnik missile has a range of 14,000 km (8,700 miles).
  • The missile was tested on October 21, 2022, and was in the air for about 15 hours.
  • Under the terms of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty signed by the US and Russia in 1987, neither country is allowed to possess or test nuclear-powered cruise missiles.
  • Russia has been working on the Burevestnik program since 2002.
  • The development of the Burevestnik was previously described by Russian officials as a major priority for Russia's military modernization.

Sources:

  • Reuters: "Russia claims to have successfully tested its 'invincible' nuclear-powered cruise missile".
  • Kremlin: "Remarks by Putin".
  • Billingslea, Marshall (former US special presidential envoy for arms control): "Why on Earth would you have a nuclear-powered, nuclear-tipped cruise missile?".